Apr 21, 2022
- Sustainability
- Feature Story
- Business Solution
- Panasonic GREEN IMPACT
Panasonic Appliances Refrigeration Devices Singapore (PAPRDSG) signs a new 25-year leasing agreement with Sunseap, the country's largest clean energy provider, on a 2.4 megawatts (MW) photovoltaic (PV) system at the factory. This brings the factory's total solar capacity to 2.8 MW. At its peak, the factory's PV system is expected to power, on average, 10% of its entire operations.
Singapore, Singapore - October 27, 2015 - The installation, comprising 10,124 pieces* of Panasonic's proprietary solar panel HIT(TM) with 19.0% module efficiency, marks the largest solar system installation on a single site for the consumer electronics sector in Singapore, covering more than 20,000 square metres of roof area across five factory buildings. PAPRDSG will begin drawing from the 2.4 MW PV system within this year.
* A total of approximately 12,000 solar panels have been installed at PAPRDSG.
Atsunao Terasaki, Managing Director, Panasonic Appliances Refrigeration Devices Singapore, said, "As one of Panasonic's Eco Model Factories in Southeast Asia, PAPRDSG's focus has long been to ensure that we adopt green manufacturing practices and work towards environmental sustainability. We recognise that industries are huge consumers of energy. Through our solar leasing collaboration with Sunseap, we not only hope to reduce carbon footprint, but also drive uptake of solar energy in businesses and industries."
With one of the highest module efficiency in the market, Panasonic's solar panel HIT(TM) is able to generate more energy given limited roof space. In addition, unlike conventional solar panels, HIT(TM) can maintain high performance at high temperature, making them ideal for utilisation in tropical climates. The panels are manufactured at Panasonic Energy Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., located at Kulim Hi-Tech Park, Kedah, Malaysia.
Through the solar leasing model, Sunseap will bear both installation and maintenance costs of the project, and pass on cost savings to PAPRDSG through cheaper electricity rates compared to drawing from the grid. The PV system will contribute to Panasonic's target of reducing 700,000 tonnes of carbon emissions by 2016 through green manufacturing practices.
Frank Phuan, Sunseap Group Director, highlighted the changing perceptions among companies in Singapore with regards to clean energy as a signal that businesses and industries here are becoming more eco-conscious. He remarked, "The increase in the adoption of solar leasing projects in Singapore indicates the developing mindsets of companies to add value to their business through sustainability practices. We look forward to a meaningful 25-year partnership with Panasonic."
The Eco Model Factory has implemented a series of other environmentally sustainable initiatives in the last six years:
- Utilising biofuel to power the factory's steam boiler: Biofuel is obtained by processing oil from discarded waste water drained from households in Singapore
- Recycling of approximately 3,000 tonnes of machining chips each year through a compacting process and reusing as raw material in the iron casting process
- Recycling of waste core sand from casting process which is then re-processed to be used as a raw material in the construction industry
- Implementation of energy efficient LED lighting in factory premises
- Utilising Inverter-type air compressors for plant facilities
- Organising environmental outreach programme, Environment Champions (School) Industry Module, four times annually to educate primary and secondary school students on green manufacturing and energy management
About Panasonic Asia Pacific
Panasonic Asia Pacific provides the whole range of the brand's products and solutions across the Southeast Asia and Oceania (APAC) region, covering 27 countries including 10 offices in Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Based in Singapore, Panasonic Asia Pacific regional headquarters focuses on creating A Better Life, A Better World by promoting its Business-to-Business portfolio while maintaining solid Business-to-Consumer growth. The region has 40 manufacturing sites, supporting Panasonic's global production activities in the housing, agriculture, energy solutions, appliances, components and devices sectors. For more information: http://panasonicapac.mynewsdesk.com/
About Panasonic Appliances Refrigeration Devices Singapore
Panasonic Appliances Refrigeration Devices Singapore was established in 1972, manufacturing energy efficient inverter compressors for fridges, water coolers and vending machines. The manufacturing set up is vertically integrated. The in-house processes range from iron casting, machining, component parts stamping, welding, motor core stamping and winding, and final assembly. The annual output capacity of the factory is seven million pieces, achieved through the use of highly automated machinery in the manufacturing process.
About Sunseap Group
Sunseap Group is the leading solar energy system developer, owner and operator in Singapore. The Group operates through three key units, Sunseap Leasing, Sunseap International and Sunseap Energy. Sunseap Leasing is the first and largest solar leasing company in Singapore. It provides clean energy through zero cost solar solutions at rates competitive against traditional grid prices to its clients. Sunseap International employs a similar business model to Sunseap Leasing but targets the international markets. Sunseap Energy has embarked to provide clean energy solutions to building owners, generated from solar systems through its grid distribution. This unique business model allows green- minded companies and individuals to utilize clean energy in instances where their buildings do not allow for solar panel installations. Visit the company online at www.sunseap.com.
Related Links
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Installation of solar panels at Panasonic Appliances Refrigeration Devices Singapore
